Embracing 'Angeball': Shifting from Fear to Fearless Football at Tottenham Hotspur

Good morning to all you positive and optimistic Spurs fans .

Today, we'll talk about no-fear football, we'll talk Bazball, we'll talk Angeball and we'll talk about the most important aspect of this revolution and that's how you mentally get a player to let go of the limiting fear everyone has inbuilt in them.

You know me, I'm Clive, I'm a passionate Spurs fan, more often right than others, with opinions that are usually the right ones to have and the guy who writes the Tottenham Hotspur Blog News articles that cover different topics and get you thinking away from the bland sameness of everyone else.

People moan at me, but they read me (so I rattle their cages), they moan but they unblock me during transfer windows keen to know what I have to say, even ITK folk, which tells you a story in itself.

If you want to klnow why I'm right and you're wrong (yep this bit is for the anti-crowd) then read this AI response telling you you don't have a winning mentality (all links open in a new window).

In Daniel Levy, Tottenham have the best chairman in the Premier League and the young side being built now will be capable of winning trophies so all supporters should be supporting and behind our chairman, rather than stabbing the club in the back and claiming to support.

OK, let's get into Bazball and Angeball.

There is an exciting transformation taking place at our beloved Tottenham Hotspur under the guidance of the dynamic new head coach, Ange Postecoglou, who is the epitomy of 'The SuccessFormula' put together by Napoleon Hill in his seminal piece of work 'Think and Grow Rich' that has sold over 100 million copies. 

I hear an element of this book in every press conference he gives and a fair few interviews too. Early on he told you the players are having to learn how to think, to learn how to speak. That would have been lost on most, but it's central to creating success. Negativity is totally out the door.

Just as England's cricket team adopted the fearless 'Bazball' approach with great success, indeed Australia had to effectively cheat to get a draw and it was only rain that prevented losing a series they were 2-0 up in, we are witnessing a shift from defensive minded football to the electrifying 'Angeball' style. 

1. The Fear Factor in Football

For years now, Tottenham's gameplay often seemed restrained by fear. Players too often have wanted to play the ball safely backwards.

Fair enough, under Mourinho and Conte this was how the manager required them to play. A ball would get played from defence to a defensive midfield player like Bissouma and he would have to pass sideways because it was the least risky option. That was a Conte instruction.

The fear of losing, the fear of making mistakes, and the fear of criticism often resulted in a more defensive style of play. The problem with this is you are asking the players to play under constant pressure, which works if you are winning.

It works because the players then have belief in it, it's a mental thing. 

BUT...when it doesn't work and you are losing, there isn't the optimism and hope you'll score to get out of it, because it's a defensive style. Again, it's a mentality thing.

This fear element can seep into a team's psyche and stifle creativity, hindering them from reaching their true potential.

It certainly stifled some of our players, Bissouma has started two games and been Man of the Match in both of them. 

There isn't a club in the Premier League that wouldn't buy him now, "25 million, more like £75 million after two games.

2. The 'Bazball' Inspiration

Drawing parallels from England's cricket team, led by the indomitable Ben Stokes and inspired by head coach Brendon McCullum, a New Zealander, the 'Bazball' approach stands as a testament to breaking free from constraints. 

Just as England cricketers unleashed their shots without fear, smashing records along the way, the same mentality can be applied to football. 

Our own journey of embracing 'Angeball' mirrors this philosophy of playing without hesitation.

It is not an easy approach to adopt, mentally. You can not think 'what if', you can not think nagatively. Seriously, it is not easy to let go of 'what if it goes wrong.'

3. The Ange Postecoglou Effect

Enter stage right Ange Postecoglou, a coach renowned for his innovative tactics and fearless mindset that had worked at lower levels of the football food chain. 

His brave appointment, because it was brave, has brought a wave of excitement and anticipation now fans unaware of him have seen glimpses of what to expect.

Postecoglou's philosophy emphasizes high-intensity pressing, quick transitions, and players expressing themselves without fear. It's a stark departure from the cautious approach we Tottenham fans have grown accustomed to in recent years.

4. Overcoming Anxiety: The Mind Game

Shifting from a defensive mindset to 'Angeball' attacking 'no fear'  mindset demands more than just tactical adjustments, it requires rewiring players' thought processes. 

Neuro Linguistic Pregramming (NLP), a technique that understands the intricate connection between language, thoughts, and behavior, becomes a crucial tool in this transformative journey. 

And let's be clear, those who assert that football isn't predominantly a mental game is, true for losers, not for winners.

Understanding Anxiety: The Mental Block

Anxiety, often described as that knot in the stomach before a crucial match or the niggling self-doubt, is an emotional response rooted in the brain's attempt to protect us from perceived threats. 

In football, these threats manifest as the fear of the unknown, the daunting possibility of failure, and the hesitancy to take calculated risks. These thoughts can be like shackles, preventing players from expressing themselves fully on the pitch.

Unpacking NLP: Rewiring the Mind

Enter Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), a methodology designed to decode the language of the mind. Just as Postecoglou crafts tactical strategies, NLP helps craft strategies for the mind. 

It aids in reprogramming negative thought patterns and replacing them with empowering beliefs. Through linguistic and cognitive techniques, players can transform their anxieties into sources of motivation, shifting from "What if I miss?" to "What if I score?"

The 'Angeball' Formula: Releasing Mental Baggage

Postecoglou's challenge lies not only in perfecting the tactics but also in fostering a shift in players' mindsets. The essence of 'Angeball' isn't just relentless pressing and attacking play; it's a state of mind where players cast aside the burdens of anxiety and trust their instincts. 

Through NLP, players can begin to reframe their perception of the game. The unknown becomes an opportunity for surprise, failure transforms into a stepping stone towards success, and risks become calculated decisions that can lead to triumph.

The Journey of Flourishing on the Pitch

As our players navigate this transformative journey, the role of Postecoglou extends beyond the pitch. He is not only a coach but also a guide through the, unfortunately, uncharted territory of the mind. 

Just as the coach fine-tunes tactical aspects, he provides the tools and support for players to hone their mental resilience. With every match, players gain a deeper understanding of their psychological dynamics, gradually trading fear for freedom.

Beyond the Boundaries of Fear

The transition to 'Angeball' isn't confined to the physical aspects of football. It's about releasing the mental shackles that have bound our players for too long. 

Anxiety, though a natural response, need not be an insurmountable hurdle. Through the power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, players can emerge as masters of their own mental game. 

Postecoglou's vision isn't solely about crafting an attacking style; it's about fostering a culture where fear is banished and courage prevails.

Let's not underestimate the monumental shift occurring within our team. As we relish the thrilling evolution towards 'Angeball,' let's acknowledge the brave strides our players take in conquering their own anxieties. 

For it's not just about winning matches; it's about transforming into a squad that's mentally invincible, echoing the triumphant spirit of 'Bazball.' The path is challenging, but the destination is glory. 

5. The Role of Trust and Confidence

Trust is the cornerstone of 'Angeball.' Just as England's cricketers trust their abilities to go for big shots, footballers must have confidence in their skills. 

Postecoglou's emphasis on building self-belief not only improves gameplay but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among the squad.

6. Navigating Setbacks and Celebrating Progress

Transitioning to 'Angeball' won't be without setbacks. There will be games where risks don't pay off, leading to criticism and doubt. However, just as McCullum's cricket philosophy faced skepticism initially, perseverance and consistent progress has silence the skeptics and frightened the opposition.

7. From Fear to Freedom: The Fan's Role

As fans, our support plays a vital role in this transformation. Just as we celebrate every boundary in 'Bazball,' we must rally behind Tottenham's every daring move on the field. 

Our encouragement, both while players are on the pitch and throughout the week on social media to create a positive atmosphere surrounding the club, can help players shed fear and embrace the thrill of 'Angeball.'

8. Embracing the Journey

The transition from fear-based football to 'Angeball' is a thrilling journey we're fortunate to witness. Ange Postecoglou is steering Tottenham towards a brighter, more electrifying future. 

The win against Manchester United was vital for the players to believe in this style of play. They have to overcome their own inhibitions, their own doubts. Now they see it can work so now they will mentally really get behind what Postecoglou wants with renewed vigour and the driving force of that... 

BELIEF.

The era of 'Angeball' is upon us.

COYS